Compositions for the manufacture of organo-mineral products, products obtained therefrom and their use

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a component (A) containing, an aqueous alkali silicate solution and a primary amino-alcohol as a catalyst, and a component (B) containing a polyisocyanate. The present invention further relates to organo-mineral products which can be obtained by the transformation of polyisocyanates and aqueous alkali silicate solutions in the presence of a primary amino-alcohol as a catalyst. The organo-mineral products can be used as building, coating, sealing or insulating materials, or as a cement or adhesive.

The present invention relates to compositions for the manufacture oforgano-mineral products, products obtained therefrom and their use.

Methods for the manufacture of porous (foamed) and non-porousorgano-mineral products by the conversion of polyisocyanates and aqueousalkali silicate solutions (water glasses) are known, for example, fromDE-A-177 03 84, DE-A-246 08 34 and EP-B-0 000 579. In these instances,alkali water-glasses with a different solid-substance content anddifferent ratio of Me₂O/SiO₂ (Me: alkali metal) are preferably used.

Organo-mineral products characterized by a high mechanical strength aredescribed in EP-B-0 167 002. Polyisocyanate in an aqueous alkalinesolution containing SiO₂ is induced into trimerization by the additionof a defined quantity of a polyisocyanate trimerization catalyst.

Initially, the NCO/water-glass reaction is largely suppressed, so that aquantity of gaseous CO₂, controllable by the formulation, is produced,which is optimally used for the reaction with the water glass. Duringthe reaction, two interwoven polymer structures are simultaneouslyformed, so that there is a dense high-strength network in theorgano-mineral product produced.

In the first stage of the reaction, a proportion of the polyisocyanatereacts with the water to form polycarbamide, with the separation ofgaseous CO₂. The CO₂ produced in situ reacts instantaneously with theMe₂O component of the water-glass solution to form Me₂CO₃×H₂O. By thebonding of the Me₂O from the water-glass solution, the SiO₂ component isinduced to form polysilicic acid. Considerable quantities of heat arereleased in the reaction, so that, in the next stage, a particularfurther proportion of the polyisocyanate can take part in thetrimerization reaction. Initially trimerized products for their part atleast partly undergo further trimerization, so that a branchedhigh-molecular structure can be formed.

A similar concept is applied in mining and tunnelling to stabilize coaland rock, as well as in the construction industry in general tostabilize and consolidate stone and brickwork, as in the preservation ofold structures, for example, and is described in EP-B-0 167 003.

For application purposes, it is in most cases desirable in practice toprocess two-component systems, consisting of a water-glass component(component A) and an isocyanate component (component B), wherein thecatalyst can be added either to component A or component B. On the onehand, the catalyst should be chemically compatible with the componentconcerned, and on the other there should be an even dispersion of thecatalyst in the component.

In the isocyanate component, the stable dispersion/solution of acatalyst presents no problem, provided moisture is strictly excludedwhilst working. Heterocyclically substituted ethers which can be stablydispersed in the isocyanate component are described in EP-B-0 636 154.In practice, however, this is only possible in closed systems, such asin spray cans or with cartridge methods.

The catalyst is therefore generally added to the water-glass component.Whereas, in the isocyanate component, stable dispersion of the catalystpresents no problem, provided the exclusion of moisture is ensured, inthe water-glass component, on the other hand, it is impossible toprevent floating or hydrolysis of the catalyst in the highly alkalinesolution, so that the catalyst can be added only shortly before thecomponents are mixed, or must be carefully redispersed in thewater-glass component shortly before being brought together with theother components.

It has been observed that the tendency towards dehomegenization can bereduced if antimony trioxide is added to the mixture (EP-B-0 167002+003). Even this, of course, does not produce a dispersion which canbe stored for months. Using the dispersing agents, solubilizers,stabilizers, emulsifiers, wetting agents, surfactants or polyols has notyielded a completely satisfactory result, either.

Catalysts used in the past have been amine catalysts common inpolyurethane chemistry, such as tertiary amines, tertiary amino-alcoholsor polyamines. Besides these, the trimerization catalysts known fromEP-B-0 167 002 and EP-B-0 167 003 are also used: these are similarlytertiary amine catalysts or Mannich bases. Metallo-organic compounds,such as dibutyl tin laurate, are described in EP-B-0 016 262. With thetertiary amines and Mannich bases customarily used as catalysts in thepast, even when polymers have been used on the isocyanate side,mechanically strong, but relatively brittle, hard products have in factbeen obtained, in which the properties of the product are difficult tocontrol.

The invention is consequently based on the problem of producing neworgano-mineral products which exhibit the desired properties, are cheapand can be manufactured in a simplified manner.

This problem has been solved by the surprising discovery that primaryamino-alcohols can be stably dissolved as catalysts in the water-glasscomponents, at the same time resulting in organo-mineral products withthe desired properties. This is surprising, insofar as primaryamino-alcohols are hardly used in polyurethane chemistry, sinceundesirable effects, such as “swelling” of the reaction mixture, oftenoccur as a result of the extremely high reaction rate. Thecontrollability of the desired product-properties also decreases as thereaction rate increases. It is all the more surprising, because the useof primary amino-alcohols not only solves the long-standing problem ofthe stable dispersibility of the catalyst in the water-glass component,but also opens up the way to organo-mineral products with specificproperties/characteristics. With the tertiary amines and Mannich baseswhich have customarily been used as catalysts in the past, even whenpolymers have been used on the isocyanate side, mechanically strong, butrelatively brittle, hard products have in fact been obtained. With theexisting invention, it has now become possible to produce organo-mineralproducts which are not only characterized by a high mechanical strength,but in addition also by outstanding elastic properties, whereby a highmechanical load carrying capacity is obtained.

The subject of the present invention is consequently a compositionscomprising a component (A) containing an aqueous alkali silicatesolution and a primary alcohol as a catalyst, and a component (B)containing a polyisocyanate.

The subject of the present invention is further an organo-mineralproduct, essentially from the conversion of polyisocyanates and aqueousalkali silicate solutions, in the presence of a primary amino-alcohol asa catalyst.

The subject of the present invention is also the use of anorgano-mineral product as a building material, coating material, sealantor insulating material, or as a cement or adhesive.

The essential constituents of the reaction mixture for the manufactureof organo-mineral products are an aqueous water-glass solution, apolyisocyanate and a primary amino-alcohol as catalyst.

The catalysts according to the invention preferably exhibit thefollowing general formula:

in which R₁ and R₂, independently of each other, represent a hydrogenatom, a hydroxyl or methyl group, and m, n and p, independently of eachother, have the value zero or a whole number from 1 to 20, preferably 1to 10, and especially 1 to 4, with the condition that they cannot all bezero.

Catalysts in which n=1, 2 or 3, m=1 and p≧0 are preferable used.

The aforementioned catalysts can be used individually or as a mixture.

In the composition of the water-glass solution which is customary and ispreferably used according to the invention, the molar ratio of catalystto NCO groups is 2 to 150, and preferably 8 to 40 mmol catalyst per moleof NCO. The molar ratio of the catalyst to SiO₂ is preferably 5 to 100mmol catalyst per mole of SiO₂. The molar ratio of catalyst to Me₂O ispreferably 5 to 100 mmol catalyst per mole of Me₂O.

Organo-mineral products with particularly favourable properties areobtained, for example, when polyisocyanate and water glass are used insuch a quantity and composition that the above-mentioned ratio ofquantity of catalyst to NCO groups is obtained, together with thesimilarly mentioned suitable ratio of NCO/SiO₂. The quantity of CO₂generated should be absorbed by the proportion of Me₂O as completely aspossible.

The catalyst is preferably used in an absolute quantity of 0.1 to 5.0 g,related to 100 g of water-glass component A.

Furthermore, a co-catalyst can be added to the reaction mixture or tothe individual components A and/or B. This can consist, for example, ofa trivalent iron compound, such as FeCl₃. Other inherently knownco-catalysts can also be used, e.g. tri-alkylphosphanes, such astrimethylphospholine, alkali metal salts or carbonic acids, such assodium acetate or sodium maleate, or transitional metal compounds, suchas Sb₂O₃, ZrOCl₂, SbCl₅ or CuCl. Mannich bases in particular, such as2,4,6-tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, are suitable for use in thewater-glass component. Morpholine ethers, such asdimorpholinodiethylether, in particular, are suitable for use inisocyanate components.

Components A and B are preferably mixed in a volumetric ratio of 3/1 to1/3, especially 2/1 to 1/1.

The primary amino-alcohol catalysts according to the invention can bestably dispersed in the water-glass component. The non-separating-out ofcomponent A permits unrestricted usability and storability of thecompound. Storage tests have shown that both component A and component Bcan still be processed after several months, without loss of quality.Time-consuming redispersal of the catalyst can consequently be dispensedwith.

In previously known systems employing trimerization catalysts,transformation of the mixture begins with reaction of NCO groups withthe water of the water-glass solution. Gaseous CO₂ and polycarbamide areproduced. This transformation takes place exothermally, and the heatliberated causes the start of trimerization of the remaining NCO groupsunder the action of the catalyst. The liberated CO₂ for its part istransformed with the Me₂O of the water glass into alkali metalcarbonate. The Me₂O component is taken from the water-glass, and, in thecourse of transformation, the remaining silicic acid component forms athree-dimensional inorganic structure, which combines with the organicpolymerisate simultaneously produced to form a interwoven network ofgreat strength.

Without specifying a particular theory, it is assumed that, in contrastto the above reaction-mechanism, in the transformation of thecomposition according to the invention the primary amino-function, aswell as the terminal OH function(s) of the catalyst, enters into areaction with the isocyanate component. Whether trimerization also takesplace is unclear. The isocyanate component may also be present as apolymer. Depending on the functionality of the catalyst used, an evenhigher-molecular weight prepolymer is thereby formed, which encloses thepolysilicic acid structure produced and reinforces the elasticproperties of the finished product. The degree of cross-linking in theprepolymer, and consequently in the finished product, can be determinedby the functionality of the amino alcohol used. Organo-mineral productscan thereby be obtained, in which the elastic properties/characteristicscan be tailor-made.

In the compositions in the present invention, the aqueous alkalisilicate solutions customarily used in this field can be used incomponent A, for example the water-glass solution described in EP-B-0000 579 and in DE-A-2 460 834. By virtue of their easy availability andlow viscosity, sodium water-glasses are preferred.

Sodium water-glasses, with a relatively high solids-content, favourablyin the range from around 30 to 60 percent by weight, and especiallyroughly 40 to 55 percent by weight of inorganic solids, are preferablyused. In theory, even higher-concentration water-glass solutions can beused and be employed within the meaning of the invention. Because of theresultant processing speeds, such water-glass solutions have littlepractical significance.

The molar ratio of SiO₂ to Me₂O in the water-glass solution used ispreferably comparatively high and is favourably in the range from around2.09 to 3.44. A range from around 2.48 to 3.17, and especially 2.40 to2.95, is particularly preferred. Formation of the three-dimensionalsilicic acid structure is favoured by an Me₂O content within the rangeindicated above.

The polyisocyanates customarily used in this field can be used ascomponent B in the compositions in the present invention, for examplethe compounds referred to in EP-B-0 000 579 and in DE-A-2 460 834. Alsosuitable are NCO pre-adducts, as known in the manufacture ofpolyurethanes and as described in DE-A-2 460 834.

Polyisocyanates which are easily able to assume a three-dimensionalstructure are preferred in the compositions in the present invention.These are compounds which, as far as possible, exhibit no sterichindrance to the NCO groups involved in the transformation. One specialexample of such a sterically unhindered polyisocyanate is4,4′-diphenylmethanediisocyanate, which can also exist in the form ofthe phosphogenation product of aniline formaldehyde condensates (crudeMDI). A reaction product of crude MDI with a diol, with an OH number of28 to 1800, especially with an OH number from 40 to 100, and preferablywith an OH number from 50 to 60, is suitable as a prepolymerisate.Ethylene glycol and, by virtue of its low reactivity, especially diolsbased on propylene glycol, for example, are suitable as diols.

The polyisocyanates used according to the invention preferably have anNCO-group content of roughly 10 to 55% by wt., referred to the mass ofthe polyisocyanate. Polyisocyanates with an NCO-group content of roughly10 to 30% by wt. are particularly preferred. A smaller proportion of NCOgroups in the polyisocyanate makes the formation of a three-dimensionalorganic structure difficult. On the other hand, with a higher NCOcontent, it is easy for too much gaseous CO₂ to be liberated, which canresult in overhardening of the inorganic part of the product and favoursuncontrolled foaming.

Nucleating and stabilizing substances can also be added to thecompositions in the invention. Suitable nucleating substances include,for example, finely divided solid substances, such as silicon dioxide oraluminium oxide, possibly together with zinc stearate, amorphous silicicacid or metasilicate. Of these, the silicon dioxide precipitated fromthe colloidal water-glass solution is preferred as a nucleating agent.

Silicons with a basis of polysiloxanes are suitable stabilizers. Thesecan be added in a quantity of roughly 0.2 to 2, and especially 0.8 to1.4 percent by weight, referred to the total mass of the reactionmixture.

Depending on the desired properties/characteristics of theorgano-mineral products being manufactured, still further additives canbe added to the compositions in the invention. These include, forexample, organic compounds exhibiting residues capable of reacting inrelation to isocyanate groups. Examples of these include polyols, suchas polyester and polyether polyols and phosphonate esters known inpolyurethane chemistry. The quantity of the polyols should be limited,so that their addition does not disturb the formation of athree-dimensional organic structure and of an inorganic structureinterwoven with it. The addition of polyol or phosphonate ester istherefore expediently limited to a maximum of 2 to 45% by wt.,preferably 10 to 20% by weight, referred to the isocyanate component.

In order to reduce the flammability of the organo-mineral products inthe invention, flame-inhibiting substances can be added to the compoundsor individual components. The flame-inhibiting or flame-retardantsubstances known in plastics chemistry, such as phosphates and borates,are suitable for the purpose. The quantity of flame-inhibitingsubstances can be in the range from 2 to 30% by wt., referred to theisocyanate component. Phosphonate esters, such as tri-β-chlorethylphosphonate or tri-β-isopropyl phosphonate, for example, can be added asa flame protection agent and to reduce viscosity. Furthermore, liquidorganic carbonates, phthalates or halogenated alkyl phosphates aresuitable as stabilizers, emulsifiers or as viscosity reducing agents.

Furthermore, additives and fillers can be added to the compositions inthe invention, to bring about further reinforcement of theorgano-mineral products. Examples of suitable fillers includediatomaceous earth, aluminium oxide hydrate, magnesium silicate,asbestos powder, chalk, asbestos fibres and glass fibres. The quantityof filler added is governed primarily by the viscosity of the mixture.It is preferably in the range from 0.1 to 30% by wt., referred to theweight of the water-glass solution used.

If desired, pigments or dyes can be added to the components.

In order to reduce viscosity, an aqueous alkali hydroxide solution canbe added to component A. An NaOH solution is suitable as the alkalihydroxide solution, for example, preferably in the form of a 30-50%solution, and especially as a 45% solution. Component A can furthercontain the flame-inhibiting additives, fillers and dyes. Component B,the polyisocyanate, possibly contains the co-catalyst, as well as thestabilizer and, where applicable, the additives and fillers compatiblewith the above-mentioned constituents.

To produce the organo-mineral products in the invention, components Aand B are carefully mixed. The starting time of the mixtures obtained isgenerally between 5 seconds and 5 minutes, and can be controlled asrequired. Where appropriate, the components or mixture can be heated orcooled, in order to adapt the starting time to requirements.

In their curing behaviour, the compositions in the present invention aresimilar to polyurethanes. They offer a well-balanced curing performanceas previously-known organo-mineral products and are also characterizedby an increased early strength. Catalysts in the past have brought aboutcontinuous and spontaneous curing. The longer curing phase of theorgano-mineral products in the invention permits more flexibleprocessing, compared with the known products.

The compositions in the present invention are characterized bystorability and the associated unrestricted usability. In particular, astable dispersion of the catalyst in the water-glass component isensured in the compositions according to the invention. The floating ofthe catalyst previously observed no longer occurs, so that it ispossible to dispense with time-consuming redispersal of the catalystprior to processing. The compositions in the invention thereby enjoy aconstant quality of processing and can be stored without limitation.

In addition, the degree of cross-linking in the finished product can becontrolled through the choice of catalyst functionality. Organo-mineralproducts can thereby be produced with tailor-madeproperties/characteristics in the finished product. In particular, thepresent products are characterized by high elasticity, combined with ahigh mechanical load-carrying capacity.

The organo-mineral products in the present invention are consequentlyversatile in use. The compounds produced can be applied, for example, bydipping, spraying, using a palette-knife, by injection, with a roller orby painting. They are therefore suitable for a wide range ofapplications, e.g. as building materials, coating materials, sealantsand insulating materials, as well as cement or adhesive. In addition,they offer the advantages of cost-effective raw materials, exhibit a lowflammability and have an anti-corrosive action. In addition, anincreased solvent-resistance and low swelling-effect are provide bysilicic acid component. The organo-mineral products of the invention arethus characterized by resistance to all common solvents, such as mineraloils or benzene, but also to lyes and acids.

The invention is further explained by the following non-limitingexamples.

I. Manufacture of Organo-Mineral Products

The A component is obtained by the intimate mixing of water-glass,catalyst, water and, where applicable, lye. The B component is producedseparately. To do so, the isocyanate is mixed with the additivesindicated and possibly with a polyol. If a polyol is added, the mixtureis given time for the reaction for the prepolymer (12 to 24 hours).

In a manual trial, A and B components are mixed with a stirrer (diam. 65mm) at a rotational speed of 2500 rpm at roughly 20-20° C. for roughly15 seconds. The components are inserted in the quantities indicated intable 1. The curing times are determined. The values obtained are listedin Table 1.

TABLE 1 Example 1 to 14; reference example A Ex- Component A Component BCuring time ample (g) (g) (min) 1 97.5 Na-WG 48/50 40 Isocyanate 1 3002.0 NaOH (45%) 40 Isocyanate 2 1.5 Catalyst 1 2 97.5 Na-WG 48/50 40Isocyanate 1 300 2.0 NaOH (45%) 40 Isocyanate 2 1.5 Catalyst 2 3 97.5Na-WG 48/50 30 Isocyanate 1 6 2.0 NaOH (45%) 30 Isocyanate 2 1.5Catalyst 1 13 Diol 1 2 Stabiliser 8 Propylene carbonate 4 97.5 Na-WG48/50 30 Isocyanate 1 8 2.0 NaOH (45%) 30 Isocyanate 2 1.5 Catalyst 2 13Diol 1 2 Stabiliser 8 Propylene carbonate 5 97.5 Na-WG 48/50 30Isocyanate 1 5 2.0 NaOH (45%) 30 Isocyanate 2 1.5 Catalyst 3 13 Diol 1 2Stabiliser 8 Propylene carbonate 6 97.5 Na-WG 48/50 30 Isocyanate 1 92.0 NaOH (45%) 30 Isocyanate 2 1.5 Catalyst 4 13 Diol 1 2 Stabiliser 8Propylene carbonate 7 97.5 Na-WG 48/50 30 Isocyanate 1 9 2.0 NaOH (45%)30 Isocyanate 2 1.5 Catalyst 5 13 Diol 1 2 Stabiliser 8 Propylenecarbonate 8 97.5 Na-WG 48/50 28 Isocyanate 1 6 2.0 NaOH (45%) 28Isocyanate 2 1.5 Catalyst 1 13 Diol 1 2 Stabiliser 8 Propylene carbonate9 220 Na-WG 28/30 28 Isocyanate 1 6 2.0 NaOH (45%) 28 Isocyanate 2 1.5Catalyst 1 13 Diol 1 2 Stabiliser 8 Propylene carbonate 10 97.5 Na-WG48/50 56 Isocyanate 1 200 2.0 NaOH (45%) 12 Isocyanate 2 1.5 Catalyst 17 TCPP 2 Stabiliser 11 97.5 Na-WG 58/60 28 Isocyanate 1 1 2.0 NaOH (45%)28 Isocyanate 2 1.5 Catalyst 1 13 Diol 1 2 Stabiliser 8 Propylenecarbonate 12 97.5 Na-WG 58/60 28 Isocyanate 1 10 2.0 NaOH (45%) 28Isocyanate 2 0.1 Catalyst 1 13 Diol 1 2 Stabiliser 8 Propylene carbonate13 97.5 Na-WG 58/60 28 Isocyanate 1 0.5 2.0 NaOH (45%) 28 Isocyanate 25.0 Catalyst 1 13 Diol 1 2 Stabiliser 8 Propylene carbonate 14 97.5Na-WG 58/60 28 Isocyanate 1 6 2.0 NaOH (45%) 28 Isocyanate 2 0.5Catalyst 1 13 Diol 1 2 Stabiliser 8 Propylene carbonate A 97.5 Na-WG58/60 28 Isocyanate 1 1 2.0 NaOH (45%) 28 Isocyanate 2 1.34 Reference 13Diol 1 Catalyst 2 Stabiliser 8 Propylene carbonate

Catalyst 1: 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (used in the form of a 90%solution in water). Catalyst 2: 2-amino-1-butanol (used in the form of a95% solution in water). Catalyst 3:

2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propandiol. Catalyst 4:2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propandiol (used in the form of a 85% solution inwater). Catalyst 5: tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane. Reference catalyst1: 2,4,6-tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol. Diol 1: polypropylene glycolwith a hydroxyl number of 56 in mg KOH per g substance. Na-WG: sodiumwater-glass (58/60: density reading according to Baume). K-WG: potassiumwater-glass. Isocyanate 1: a polyisocyanate with an NCO-group content ofapprox. 32% obtained by phosphogenization of a formaldehyde anilinecondensate. Isocyanate 2: crude MDI with an NCO-group content of roughly28%, prepolymerized with a small quantity of a diol. Stabilizer: acommercially-available polyetherpolysiloxane-block-copolymer stabilizer(Tegostab 8863 from the firm of Goldschmidt, Essen). Propylenecarbonate, TCPP: trichlorpropylphosphate.

II. Physical Evaluation of Compositions and Products Storability

a) Laboratory experiment: A prepared A-component (Examples 8 to 14) wasmixed with the same B-component at monthly intervals, withoutintermediate stirring, and the reactive times up to curing/hardeningwere determined, as well as the strength of the products produced. Evenafter ten months, no changes were observed in the curing behaviour orstrength. In contrast, in Reference Example A, floating of the catalystin the A component was observed after only two days. Mixinginhomogeneities resulted in a deterioration of strength.

b) Machine tests: In order to demonstrate that no separating out ofcomponent A occurs while stored, even on a large scale, roughly 200 kgof component A were produced in accordance with Example 14 and werestored in a vessel, without intermediate stirring. Two days afterpreparation of component A, on which no changes, e.g. floating of thecatalyst, were visually apparent, and subsequently at one monthlyintervals, a proportion of component A was extracted via the suctionhose of a gear pump, was mixed with component B in accordance withExample 14 in a Kennics static-mixer (diam. 16 mm) in a volumetric ratioof 1/1, and transferred via a steel lance (external diameter 30 mm;internal aperture 11 mm) into a cylindrical sheet-metal canister (diam.31 cm; height 38 cm), filled with the same quantity and type of gravel,until the lance was embedded in the compound to a depth of 15 to 20 cm.The volumetric flow was approx. 30 litre/min.

After consolidation of the gravel (after two days), an attempt was madeto withdraw the lance. This required a force of 8 to 9 kN per cmembedded depth. With an embedded depth in excess of 30 cm, it was nolonger possible to pull the lance out of the consolidated gravel withoutbreaking it.

Even after several months, the “pull” test yielded the same results twodays after filling. This indicates that no changes occur in the materialproperties/characteristics, and also that the catalyst is stablydispersed in the A component for months, even in large quantities.

It was not possible to conduct the experiment using components fromReference Example A, since floating of the catalyst occurred after onlytwo days.

Bending Strength

In order to determine the bending strength of products from Example 14and Reference Example A, test pieces with a length of 150 mm, a width of20 mm and a height of 10 mm were prepared. The test pieces weresubjected to force/displacement bending tests. The distance from thebearing was 100 mm. The measurements were performed with equivalentquantities of catalyst, 1 h and 20 h after the components had beenmixed.

The flow time of the specimens prepared in accordance with Example 14and Reverence Example A was approx. 2 min.

The measurements were made with a compression/tension testing machinemade by the firm Form & Test. The curves were drawn with an XY recordermade by Linseis. The measured values are listed in Table 2 and presentedin FIG. 1.

TABLE 2 Force (Newton) Reference Reference Displacement catalyst 1Catalyst 1 catalyst 1 Catalyst 1 (mm) (20 h) (20 h) (1 h) (1 h) 0.5 2020 1.0 40 37.5 37.5 37.5 1.5 60 57.5 2.0 80 72.5 62.5 62.5 2.5 95 90 3.0112.5 105 97.5 95 3.5 127.5 117.5 4.0 147.5 135 125 120 4.5 160 150 5.0172.5 162.5 155 147.5 5.5 185 172.5 6.0 195 182.5 175 165 6.5 205 1907.0 212.5 200 192.5 182.5 7.5 222.5 207.5 8.0 232.5 217 207.5 197.5 8.5240 222.5 9.0 245 230 225 207.5 9.5 252.5 235 10.0 257.5 240 235 21510.5 262.5 245 11.0 267.5 247.5 245 222.5 11.5 270 252.5

FIG. 1 shows that using the catalyst according to the invention(Catalyst 1), compared with conventionally used tertiary amino-phenolcatalysts such as Reference Catalyst 1, results in more-elastic products(greater deflection with same force).

Compressive Strength

In order to determine the compressive strength of the products fromExample 14 and Reference Example A, test pieces with a diameter of 16.6mm and a height of 30 mm were prepared. The test pieces were subjectedto compression and the deflection was determined. The measurements wereperformed with equivalent quantities of catalyst, 1 h and 23 h after thecomponents had been mixed.

The measurements were performed with a compression/tension testingmachine made by the firm Form & Test. The curves were drawn with an XYrecorder from the firm Linseis. The measured values are listed in Table3 and presented in FIG. 2.

TABLE 3 Force (N) Reference Reference Displacement catalyst 1 Catalyst 1catalyst 1 Catalyst 1 (mm) (23 h) (23 h) (1 h) (1 h) 0.5 1000 425 350175 1.0 2000 1050 1500 525 1.5 2600 1500 2350 900 2.0 2950 1775 28001250 2.5 3150 1975 3050 1550 3.0 3325 2150 3200 1750 3.5 3500 2325 33501925 4.0 3675 2450 3475 2175 4.5 3875 2600 3625 2325 5.0 4075 2725 37752450 5.5 2850 3950 2575 6.0 2950 4100 2675 6.5 3000 4250 2750 7.0 30254375 2825 7.5 4575 2875 8.0 2970 8.5 3025

FIG. 2 shows that using the catalyst according to the invention(Catalyst 1), compared with conventionally used tertiary amino-phenolcatalysts, such as Reference Catalyst 1, results in more-elasticproducts (greater compression with same force).

What is claimed is:
 1. Compositions, comprising a component (A)containing an aqueous alkali silicate solution and a primaryamino-alcohol as a catalyst, and a component (B) containing apolyisocyanate.
 2. Composition according to claim 1, wherein thecatalyst is stably dispersed in component (A).
 3. Composition accordingto claim 1, wherein components (A) and (B) are separate.
 4. Compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the catalyst has the general formula (I):

in which R₁ and R₂, independently of each other, represent a hydrogenatom, a hydroxyl or methyl group, and m, n and p, independently of eachother, have the value zero or a whole number from 1 to 20, with thecondition that they cannot all be zero.
 5. Composition according toclaim 4, wherein n=1, 2 or 3, m=1 and p≧0.
 6. Composition according toclaim 1, wherein the polyisocyanate exhibits an NCO-group content of 10to 55 per cent by weight, referred to the mass of the polyisocyanate. 7.Composition according to claim 6, wherein the polyisocyanate exhibits anNCO-group content of 10 to 30 per cent by weight, referred to the massof the polyisocyanate.
 8. Composition according to claim 6, wherein thepolyisocyanate is 4,4′-dimethylmethanediisocyanate, a phosphogenationproduct of aniline formaldehyde condensates (crude MDI) or a prepolymerthereof.
 9. Composition according to claim 8, wherein the prepolymer isa reaction product of crude MDI and a diol with an OH number of 28 to1800.
 10. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkali silicateis a sodium silicate with a solids content of 30 to 60% by wt. 11.Composition according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous alkali silicatesolution has a molar ratio of SiO₂ to Me₂O of 2.09 to 3.44, preferablyfrom 2.4 to 3.17.
 12. Organo-mineral product obtainable by thetransformation of polyisocyanates and aqueous alkali silicate solutionsin the presence of a primary amino-alcohol as a catalyst.
 13. Use of acomposition according to claim 1, as a building, coating, sealing orinsulating material, or as a cement or adhesive comprising applying thecomposition of claim 1 to a substrate.
 14. Use of a composition of anorgano-mineral product as defined in claim 12 as a building, coating,sealing or insulating material, or as a cement or adhesive comprisingapplying the organo-mineral product of claim 12 to a substrate.